Sample
  • The Boys in the Boat

  • Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
  • By: Daniel James Brown
  • Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
  • Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (42,746 ratings)

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The Boys in the Boat

By: Daniel James Brown
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
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Publisher's summary

The number one New York Times best-selling story about American Olympic triumph in Nazi Germany, the inspiration for the PBS documentary The Boys of '36, broadcast to coincide with the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 80th anniversary of the boys' gold medal race.

For readers/listeners of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Depression comes an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times - the improbable, intimate account of how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit really meant. It was an unlikely quest from the start. With a team composed of the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team was never expected to defeat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did, going on to shock the world by defeating the German team rowing for Adolf Hitler. The emotional heart of the tale lies with Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not only to regain his shattered self-regard but also to find a real place for himself in the world. Drawing on the boys’ own journals and vivid memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, Brown has created an unforgettable portrait of an era, a celebration of a remarkable achievement, and a chronicle of one extraordinary young man’s personal quest.

©2013 Daniel James Brown (P)2013 Penguin Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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What listeners say about The Boys in the Boat

Average customer ratings
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Even better the second time

Upon the release of the movie, I decided to revisit one of my favorite books of all time. The writing and research is so well-done, it’s beyond description.
However, if you are like me, a Seattle native, or have a deep connection to the PNW, listening to this book will give you a kind of outburst syndrome, as you will uncontrollably correct aloud the pronunciation of the many places the narrator butchers. Don’t get me wrong, Edward Herrman is a fantastic reader and his tenor is perfect for this book; I just dearly wish someone gave him Native American linguistic pointers beforehand.
Alki is Al-kai, not Al-key.

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One of my all time favorite books!

The Boys in the boat is a true story beautifully retold. Wonderful to read, wonderful to listen to.

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Listened to in preparation of the movie

My wife rowed for WVU. She wanted me to read/listen to the book before the movie. Great book and American story. the story follows Joe and the boys in the boat, it is more of a historical recollection of living during the great depression in WA, whilst trying to make it and the journey to stay in school as a collegiate athlete. it is relatable to people today who work in athletics to earn a scholarship for school.

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The close relationship of the boys in the boat.

Loved the entire book. Well written and performed. I would like to read more books by this author.

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The most riveting story

While riding my bike, I listened to the narrator transform me into the boat. I was so motivated to hear each and every word. When I heard the prologue and the final sentence, I was in tears. Thank you , Daniel , for your masterful telling of these amazing nine men and their humble lives to victory.

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the story itself and the beautiful words that brought it to life

i loved everything about the story and am in awe of the literary skills of the author in bringing such beauty to the story

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Split-screen reporting on the Nazi and Washington preparation for the 1936 Olympics.

A truly compelling story - well written and well read - wonderfully entertaining! The descriptions provide an emotionally engaging trip through the trials and triumphs of the US in the 1930s.

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Interesting with A lot of Details

Wonderful true story and interesting information about the introduction of Nazism to the world stage. I am not a true sports fan, so some of the commentary was a bit long. Very well worth the read though.

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Now I want to buy a boat

A great bit of history. An enjoyable telling of sports history. I recommend to all ages

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What a great generation!!

There was nothing to dislike or criticize. The movie just was released and I want to see it but how can it be as good as the book. Every word picture drawn in the book illustrated the people, places and times in ways a movie will have difficulty equaling.

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